Ladki Bahin Yojana: Over 68 Lakh Accounts Closed Due to Incomplete KYC
Over 68 lakh accounts under Maharashtra's Ladki Bahin Yojana scheme were closed due to incomplete e-KYC processes, affecting distribution of monthly allowances. Despite extensions and support from government officials, the verification process remains challenging.
Highlights
- •68 lakh accounts closed
- •E-KYC deadline extended until April 30
- •Verification process challenges
- •Scheme will not be discontinued
Maharashtra's ambitious Ladki Bahin Yojana scheme, which aims to provide monthly allowances of Rs 1,500 to eligible women from economically weaker sections, has seen a significant reduction in active accounts. Around 68 lakh out of the total 2.43 crore accounts have been closed due to beneficiaries failing to complete the mandatory e-KYC process within the stipulated period, leaving approximately 1.75 crore accounts still active.
Ladki Bahin Yojana: Scheme Impact and Government Actions
The deadline for completing the e-KYC was initially set to end on March 31 but has been extended until April 30. Officials have emphasized that the number of closed accounts is subject to change after this extension period.
Despite efforts by the government, complaints allege that ineligible individuals, including males and even some government employees, received benefits under the scheme. The government verified over 2 million beneficiaries initially flagged as ineligible due to incorrect Marathi language answers; however, investigations are still ongoing for others.
The distribution of funds has been affected by this reduction in active accounts. Despite a budget allocation of Rs 26,000 crore for the scheme in 2026-27, spending is expected to dip due to fewer beneficiaries. Officials state that the scheme will continue without discontinuation and will not seek recovery from ineligible beneficiaries.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's assurances aim to maintain public trust in the scheme. Additionally, with many women unable to complete e-KYC due to rain and hailstorms, the government has extended the deadline until April 30. However, the link for updating eKYC remains missing from the Ladki Bahin Yojana portal.
Achieving seamless verification is crucial to enhancing the scheme's efficacy. The government recommends that those who have not updated their KYC should visit their nearest Common Service Center (CSC) or Women and Child Development office for assistance.
